Euro 2020 (21)

[alfie]

Second half was brilliant from England. First half they just sat back after the early goal and let Ukraine get back into the game. Ukraine had a few chances in that first half, but it had nothing to do with them and everything to do with England faffing about at the back when they could have been more dynamic... show a bit more intent. It will cost them eventually

I suppose they were trying to control the game, and not use up too much energy on what looked like a really hot evening, but it just gives heart to the other teams who end up believing that they are still in the game.

Second half was much better, so I imagine SG told them to stop faffing about and get out there and win the bloody thing, which ended up only taking 5 minutes once they put their mind to it

Still no goals conceded. Does that happen much with teams that reach the SF's?. Including the 2 warm up matches, that's 7 games now without conceding. The worry is that when they do eventually concede it'll be like Harry Kane ending his goal drought and they then concede another two very quickly

Part in bold seems to be the key to me : they recognize that they can't go at a hundred miles an hour for too long (particularly in the first half) without paying for it later on - as one or two teams seem to have done in this tournament and suffered through late opposition comebacks. So after the early goal they were quite happy to bide their time and have another quick burst after the break. Consistent with their approach in earlier matches too so I reckon it is
Plan A.
Problem might be : fine if you score first - maybe not so good if you were to fall behind.

Denmark game looks a step up. But with the confidence these last two games must have brought the team , and the home advantage , it doesn't look at all insurmountable. Quietly confident...

[sussexpob]

Denmark game looks a step up. But with the confidence these last two games must have brought the team , and the home advantage , it doesn't look at all insurmountable. Quietly confident...

Denmark play with a very high level of aggression, especially without the ball. The problem with that sort of high intensity pressing game is, when it meets a quality side especially with defenders who can play out from the back, once you beat the initial press up the field and then the secondary press on the spare men, the whole of the secondary level in the central midfield opens up in space. And England showed v Ukraine more than anything that their forward three are prepared to fill those vacuums to get into the match and start attacks from deeper.

Of course, Denmark will create problems with this, a disciplined, well directed and committed pressing game high up the pitch causes a lot of problems even for top teams. But England have centre backs and a goal keeper who are known for ball playing; Maguire isnt shy of seeing space in front and carrying the ball into it.

I cant see it being easy, but I cant see Denmark beating England. Pretty much like in the Belgium game, as soon as Belgium's quality midfielders came on and had the ability to pick holes in Denmark's system, they exploited the weak underbelly.

And Denmark cant have a lot in the tank left. They have played high intensity games, and courtesy of two losses in the groups (one of which we can ignore on circumstances as a guide to their quality), have been playing knockout football since the moment Finland scored against them. Just get the feeling even if this was a more evenly matched contest on paper, Denmark must be knackered. England got 5 men off the field early v Ukraine, and have chopped and changed some players. And England have a fear inducing depth at the best of times.

And its at Wembley. Which feels so important. You seen how England reacted against Germany to going 1-0 up and the crowd going wild. After Kane scored he suddenly looked a different player.

[bigfluffylemon]

I am quietly optimistic. Head says we are favourites, we have a stronger team, a better draw and home advantage, but heart knows the history of how England always seem to stuff it up. Especially if it goes to penalties.

My boss is Danish, so there's been a fair bit of good-natured banter this week. Going to be interesting to see what happens on Thursday morning at work...

[yuppie]

If only sport was predictable.

Logic says England. It is the semi finals of a major tournament though so anything can happen.

One thing for certain is that there is a lot to like about this English team.

[Gingerfinch]

Is there a better anthem than the Italian one?

Hard to look past Italy winning tonight. Strong at the back and quick to get forward. Going 2-0.

[Durhamfootman]

If only sport was predictable.

Logic says England. It is the semi finals of a major tournament though so anything can happen.

One thing for certain is that there is a lot to like about this English team.

one other factor to consider..... The England game is on ITV. They won 2 KO matches on the BBC in Russia and got beaten on ITV. They've won 2 KO matches on the beeb here and now move to ITV. I think it's the Irish nutter putting a jinx on them

[Durhamfootman]

Italy for me too....

that's fixed 'em..... it'll be Spain all the way now

[Gingerfinch]

Busquets is still magnificent. Spin playing well but still going for Italy.

[Durhamfootman]

bright start from Spain. I usually have some knitting handy for when Spain are on the ball, because it gives me something to do and stops me nodding off, but I've had to put the needles down

[Gingerfinch]

The Spanish keeper has had some odd moments this tournament. Must be from Barcelona!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Italy v England in the final as things stand.

[mikesiva]

1-1 at the end of extra time.

Penalties!

[sussexpob]

Harsh on Spain that. Much the better team. Italy looked totally knackered at the end. Let's hope thar extra 30 minutes has taken its toll

[Durhamfootman]

absolutely... Denmark will need all the help they can get in the final

[alfie]

Enjoyed that game. Had to feel for Spain : much the better team for most of the game but Italy have a knack of getting a result somehow even when outplayed... Apart from the initial miss they just looked calm and focussed for the penalties - while the Spaniards were a bit nervous.

Spanish keeper really does keep you on the edge of your seat ! Makes some great saves but some of his bold excursions out of his area must be the stuff of hair loss for their fans

Bit sad that the architect and scorer of the Spanish equaliser were the ones to miss penalties. Thought young Olmo had a terrific game otherwise. Spain have some good young players which augers well for their future.

Hope the other semi is as enthralling . Though I would just about settle for England by another 4-0